Cash incentives support Healthy IU initiative

All full-time IU faculty and staff on an IU medical plan are eligible for one health screening at the health center per fiscal year (July 1 to June 9), which includes an incentive to participate.

Those who partake in the annual health screening are eligible for a $100 (before tax) incentive. The offer also extends to spouses and partners on an IU medical plan.

The stimulus is part of a university-wide effort to encourage employees to lead a healthy lifestyle.

"Just being aware of your numbers can be a catalyst for healthy changes, or even confirmation that your lifestyle choices are making a difference," Healthy IU manager Samantha Schaefer said. "Many employees use their screening as a 'measuring stick' from year to year and are excited to see when their numbers improve."

Participants are administered a standard health screening to measure vital biometrics such as blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels and body mass index. If the screening is performed at your campus health center, there is no cost.

To schedule an on-campus screening at IUPUI, IU Bloomington, IU Northwest, IU East or IU South Bend, call your campus health center. For all other campuses, watch for your email invitation to screenings on your campus in the spring and fall.

Screenings can also be administered by your primary-care physician, but Healthy IU will not cover co-pays or deductibles. If you choose this route, make sure to print and take the Verification of Health and Screening form with you to your appointment. Once completed, send the form by email or mail to Healthy IU to receive the incentive. Screening results are not to be included.

Upon completion of the screening, employees will receive the cash incentive in their paycheck. If a spouse or partner completes the screening, their incentive will also show up in the employee’s paycheck. The $100 incentive is taxed as supplementary pay, per IRS rules, so it is taxed at a higher rate. Please allow up to 60 days for processing the incentive.

Schaefer encourages all employees to take advantage of the many resources around campus that offer support in the lifelong journey of maintaining good health. Mid-Day Mindfulness sessions, the Diabetes Prevention Program and the “Feel Great IU!” challenge are just a few of the programs available. IU employees are also invited to participate in nutrition consultation at no cost.